The Magic of the Olympics | A conversation

The Magic of the Olympics

Talk with

Raffaella Paniè
Brand, Identity and Look of the Games Director
of Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026

Marta Pagnini
Olympic medalist in Rhythmic gymnastics and
Brand & ADV Coordinator of Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026

David Burnett
Photographer and co-founder of
Contact Press Images

Moderator
Claudio Pagliara
Director Italian Cultural Institute in NY

In view of the upcoming Winter Olympics of Milano-Cortina 2026, this talk will investigate on what makes the Games a unique experience for audiences all around the world. We will hear about the athlete’s experiences, the behind-the-scenes anecdotes and the thrilling moments as captured by one of the most important photographers and more…

Raffaella Paniè – Brand, Identity and Look of the Games Director of Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026. Raffaella Paniè is an expert in brand strategy and communication with over two decades of experience in the field. Since 1997, she has held prominent roles in marketing and communications, including serving as Head of Look and Image for the Torino 2006 Organizing Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Currently, she is the Brand, Identity, and Look of the Games Director for Milano Cortina 2026. In this leadership role, she spearheads the creative process behind key design elements of the Games, including the emblem, pictograms, mascots, torch, medals, and the overall visual identity, shaping the aesthetic narrative of one of the most prestigious global events.

Marta Pagnini – Olympic medalist in Rhythmic gymnastics and Brand & ADV Coordinator of Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026. Marta Pagnini, Olympic bronze medalist at London 2012 and former captain of the Italian National Rhythmic Gymnastics Team until Rio 2016, is a two-time World Champion with more than 60 international medals. She holds a degree in International Relations from Università Cattolica in Milan, a Master’s in Sport Management from Luiss–CONI, and an MBA in Business of Events from SDA Bocconi. She is Brand and ADV Coordinator at Milano Cortina 2026, Federal Councilor of the Italian Gymnastics Federation, National Councilor of CONI, Board Member of European Gymnastics, FIG-certified international judge and coach, and a certified European NLP and performance coach. Since 2016 she has been a TV commentator for rhythmic gymnastics on La7, Eurosport, RAI, and other broadcasters.

David Burnett (b. 1946 Salt Lake City) has been a sports photographer for more than fifty years and has covered 14 Olympic Games from Los Angeles to Paris.  His work has won acclaim from World Press Photo, The Overseas Press Club, and the Pictures of the Year competition.  He is co -founder of Contact Press Images, the New York based photojournalism agency.

Photo credits David Burnett